About the Role

The Assembly Water Spider (Material Support Specialist) plays a vital role in supporting production efficiency by ensuring just-in-time delivery, preparation, and removal of materials across multiple workstations. This role is designed to eliminate production bottlenecks, streamline material flow, and allow production employees to focus on value-added tasks. The Assembly Water Spider will support two assembly lines and follow a defined work sequence to ensure continuous assembly workflow, while maintaining a safe, organized, and efficient work environment. Overall, this position acts as a vital link between logistics, inventory, and the production teams, enabling smooth operations and adherence to lean manufacturing principles.

What You'll Do

Ensure materials and supplies are available at the right location and time to prevent production delays, following just-in-time (JIT) principles to prevent overstocking or delays.
Follow a standardized tour of assigned workstations to replenish parts and consumables. Replenish kanban bins, verify part accuracy, and ensure workstations are fully equipped for uninterrupted production.
Prepare materials for use, such as removing parts from corrugated containers or staging components.
Support workstation changeovers and assist less experienced team members when needed.
Maintain a defined work sequence and adhere to a clear set of tasks during each round.
Remove excess or unused materials after assembly runs are completed. Collect empty containers, packaging, and dunnage from workstations and return them to designated areas for recycling or reuse.
Identify and resolve material flow issues as they arise during the shift. Identify opportunities to streamline material flow, reduce waste (muda), and improve ergonomics or efficiency; participate in problem-solving teams.
Collaborate with team leaders, receiving, fabrication, and paint departments to ensure consistent material availability and alignment on production schedules.
Support overall production goals by enabling direct labor employees to work more efficiently. Adhere to all safety protocols, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe operation of material handling equipment (e.g., forklifts, tuggers), and maintaining clear walkways.

What You'll Need

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Experience & Training

12+ months of relevant manufacturing, assembly, and/or material handling experience required
Familiarity with just-in-time (JIT) and kanban replenishment systems
Experience with specific assembly processes relevant to the department (e.g., fabrication, paint, final assembly)
Certified to operate material handling equipment (forklift and/or tugger) required, or willing to obtain certification through Company-provided training
Must be able to read and interpret production schedules, kanban cards, and inventory lists
Basic computer skills for inventory tracking and reporting
Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while managing multiple priorities
Strong organizational and time-management skills
Effective verbal communication skills to coordinate across departments (team leaders, receiving, fabrication, paint)
Ability to identify problems and participate in continuous improvement or problem-solving teams (lean/muda reduction experience a plus)

Physical and Mental Demands

Regularly required to walk and stand for extended periods while maintaining a consistent pace to meet takt-time/JIT requirements
Frequently required to lift and carry materials up to 30 pounds, and to bend, reach, and push or pull material handling carts
Occasionally required to lift up to 50 pounds and to operate a forklift or tugger
Must be able to sit, kneel, and maintain extended focus across multiple workstation needs as required

Equal Employment Opportunity

MPE Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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